Probe adaptor assembly

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for connecting an ionisation probe assembly to a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: an attachment member for releasably attaching a probe assembly to the apparatus; a cap for enclosing the attachment member; wherein the apparatus is operable to deliver a voltage to a probe assembly only when the cap is arranged to enclose the attachment member; and wherein the cap is configurable to enclose the attachment member when a probe assembly is attached to the apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from and the benefit of United Kingdompatent application No. 1606124.4 filed on 11 Apr. 2016, and UnitedKingdom patent application No. 1606123.6 filed on 11 Apr. 2016. Theentire content of these applications is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to mass and/or ion mobilityspectrometers, and in particular to apparatus for couplingchromatography systems with ion sources and/or mass and/or ion mobilityspectrometers.

BACKGROUND

Liquid chromatography systems are an important tool to the analyticalchemist for the separation and analysis of samples of interest. Often,after separation in the liquid chromatograph, the components requirefurther analysis to confirm the identity of these components. This maybe performed using a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer. However,connecting liquid chromatography systems to mass and/or ion mobilityspectrometers can be a difficult and time consuming task.

Tubing may be used to deliver eluent to an ion source, wherein theeluent from the liquid chromatography system is sprayed into the ionsource chamber through a capillary. This can result in an awkwardconnection that requires dexterity and skill to assemble. Moreover,there is a risk of electric shock at the connection for the userassembling the instrument connection, especially if there is a leak. Theconnecting assembly can also be expensive.

Furthermore, the fitting of the liquid chromatography tube connectioninto an ion source can take a long time, resulting in inactivity of theinstrument. Poor instrument performance may also occur if parts areomitted or poorly assembled. This can result in dead volumes, which maylead to poor reproducibility or poor performance of the instrument.

The Applicant's earlier application GB-2520389 addresses these and otherproblems by providing a probe assembly for delivering eluent to a massspectrometer, wherein a joint between an electrically insulated liquidline and a conductive capillary is provided downstream of an attachmentdevice that attaches the probe to the spectrometer. This means that theeluent is less likely to leak out of the spectrometer when the probe isattached. A conductive member is provided in order to supply a voltagefrom the attachment device, downstream beyond the insulated liquid lineand to the conductive capillary. This enables a voltage to be suppliedrelatively easily from the mass spectrometer to the conductive capillaryvia the attachment device, even though the electrically insulated liquidline is interposed between the attachment device and the conductivecapillary. The structure of the probe therefore enables the electricalconnection to be made between the spectrometer and the conductivecapillary relatively quickly and easily.

Notwithstanding the benefits associated with the probe assemblydescribed in GB-2520389, the Applicants believe that there remains scopefor further improvements to mass and/or ion mobility systems in which anatmospheric pressure ionisation probe is coupled with mass and/or ionmobility spectrometer.

It is therefore desired to provide improved apparatus for mass and/orion mobility spectrometry.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect there is provided apparatus for connectingan ionisation probe assembly to a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer,the apparatus comprising:

an attachment member for releasably attaching a probe assembly to theapparatus;

a cap for enclosing the attachment member;

wherein the apparatus is operable to deliver a voltage to a probeassembly only when the cap is arranged to enclose the attachment member;and

wherein the cap is configurable to enclose the attachment member when aprobe assembly is attached to the apparatus.

The cap may be configurable to enclose the attachment member when noprobe assembly is attached to the apparatus (e.g. when the probeassembly is detached from the apparatus), e.g. so as to prevent a probeassembly or other object being brought into contact with the attachmentmember.

According to a second aspect there is provided apparatus for connectingan ionisation probe assembly to a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer,the apparatus comprising:

an attachment member for releasably attaching a probe assembly to theapparatus;

a cap for enclosing the attachment member;

wherein the cap is configurable to enclose the attachment member when aprobe assembly is attached to the apparatus; and

wherein the cap is configurable to enclose the attachment member when noprobe assembly is attached to the apparatus (e.g. when the probeassembly is detached from the apparatus) e.g. so as to prevent a probeassembly or other object being brought into contact with the attachmentmember.

According to various embodiments, apparatus is provided for connectingan ionisation probe assembly to a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer.The apparatus may comprise an attachment member for releasably attachingthe probe assembly to the apparatus and a cap for enclosing theattachment member, i.e. for preventing access to the attachment member.The apparatus may be operable to deliver a voltage to a probe assembly,e.g. via the attachment member, only when the cap is arranged to enclosethe attachment member. The cap may be configurable to enclose theattachment member when a probe assembly is attached to the apparatus.The cap may be configurable to enclose the attachment member when noprobe assembly is attached to the apparatus so as to prevent a probeassembly being brought into contact with the attachment member.

Accordingly, the risk of electrocution, the risk of a user coming intocontact with potentially hazardous substances that may leak from theattachment member, the risk of leaks adversely affecting the instrument,and/or fire hazard risks are substantially reduced, both when a probeassembly is attached to the apparatus and/or when no probe assembly isattached to the apparatus.

It will be appreciated therefore that various embodiments describedherein provide improved apparatus for mass and/or ion mobilityspectrometry.

The apparatus may comprise an orifice.

The apparatus may be configured such that the probe assembly isinsertable into the orifice

The attachment member may be configurable to releasably secure the probeassembly within the orifice.

The attachment member may comprise or may be in electrical communicationwith an electrical contact for delivering the voltage from the apparatusto the probe assembly when the probe assembly is releasably attached tothe apparatus.

The cap may comprise an aperture through which at least a portion of theprobe assembly can pass.

The apparatus may comprise a device configured to close the aperturewhen the cap is arranged to enclose the attachment member and when noprobe assembly is attached to the apparatus.

The device may be configured such that the aperture is openable onlywhen the attachment member is not (is other than) enclosed by the cap.

The device may comprise one or more balls or other objects and one ormore pockets for receiving the one or more balls or other objects.

The apparatus may comprise a probe tip configured to receive a capillaryof the probe assembly.

The apparatus may comprise a device for controlling the position of thecapillary relative to the probe tip.

The device may be configured such that the position remainssubstantially unaltered when a probe assembly is detached from and/orattached to the apparatus.

According to an aspect there is provided apparatus for connecting anionisation probe assembly to a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer,the apparatus comprising:

an attachment member for releasably attaching a probe assembly to theapparatus;

a probe tip configured to receive a capillary of the probe assembly; and

a control device for controlling the position of the capillary relativeto the probe tip.

The device may be configured such that the position remainssubstantially unaltered when a probe assembly is detached from and/orattached to the apparatus.

The probe tip may comprise a capillary configured to receive thecapillary of the probe assembly.

The control device may be configured to control the position of thecapillary relative to the probe tip capillary.

The apparatus may comprise a guiding member configured to guide thecapillary into the probe tip capillary when the probe assembly isreleasably attached to the apparatus.

The apparatus may comprise a cap for enclosing the attachment member.

The attachment member may be provided in a main body of the apparatus.

The cap may be releasably securable to the main body so as to enclosethe attachment member.

The control device may be operable from an external surface of the cap.

The control device may comprise a first mechanism in the cap that isengagable with a second mechanism in the main body.

Operation of the control device may cause the position of the capillaryrelative to the probe tip to be altered via the first and secondmechanisms.

The first and/or second mechanisms may be configured such that theposition of the capillary relative to the probe tip remainssubstantially unaltered when the cap is secured to and/or released fromthe main body.

The apparatus may comprise a liquid drain.

The apparatus may comprise a device for collecting liquid incident uponat least a portion of the apparatus and for directing the liquid to thedrain.

The drain may comprise one or more open-ended slots or indentations.

According to an aspect, there is provided apparatus for connecting anionisation probe assembly to a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer,the apparatus comprising:

an attachment member for releasably attaching a probe assembly to theapparatus;

a liquid drain; and

a device for collecting liquid incident upon the apparatus and fordirecting the liquid to the liquid drain;

wherein the drain comprises one or more open-ended slots orindentations.

The apparatus as may comprise one or more fins, ridges, bumps or otherprotrusions configured to prevent blockage of the drain.

The position and/or orientation of the drain may be fixed.

According to an aspect there is provided an adaptor for connecting aionisation probe assembly to a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer,the adaptor comprising apparatus as described above.

According to an aspect there is provided a mass and/or ion mobilityspectrometer comprising apparatus as described above.

According to an aspect there is provided a method of delivering eluentto a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer comprising:

providing a probe assembly;

providing apparatus as described above;

releasably attaching the probe assembly to the apparatus using theattachment member; and

supplying eluent to the probe assembly such that eluent is transmittedthrough the probe assembly into the spectrometer.

The probe assembly may comprise:

an inlet for receiving an eluent from a chromatography device;

an outlet for delivering the eluent to an ion source of a mass and/orion mobility spectrometer; and

an attachment device for attaching the outlet to the apparatus.

The outlet may comprise a (optionally electrically conductive) capillaryand a (optionally electrically conductive) member surrounding at leastpart of the capillary.

The probe assembly may comprise a (optionally electrically insulating)liquid line for transporting eluent from the inlet to the capillary anda joint between the liquid line and the capillary, wherein the joint isdownstream of the attachment device.

The member may be arranged to receive a voltage upon connection of theattachment device to the apparatus and the member may be arranged to bein electrical connection with the capillary.

The outlet of the probe assembly may be configured to be insertable intoan orifice of the apparatus and the attachment device may be configuredso as to releasably engage the orifice so as to releasably attach theprobe to the apparatus.

The joint may be arranged in the probe so as to be downstream of theorifice (i.e. within the apparatus) when the attachment device isconnected to the apparatus.

It will be appreciated that the term “downstream” used herein refers tothe direction from the inlet end to the outlet end of the probe assemblyand/or adaptor.

The attachment device may comprise a screw fitting, a clamp, a bayonetor any other suitable type of attachment.

The screw fitting may comprise threads that extend circumferentiallyaround the liquid line for engaging an orifice in the apparatus intowhich the probe is inserted, in use. The screw fitting and threads maybe on an outer surface of the attachment device. Alternatively, thereleasable engagement may be provided by other attachment means, or anyform of attachment means which does not require tools to fit.

The attachment device may comprise a first electrical contact forreceiving the voltage from the apparatus when the attachment device isreleasably connected thereto, wherein the electrical contact isconnected to the member and the member is connected to the capillary fortransmitting the voltage from the apparatus to the capillary. Theelectrical contact may be on an outer surface of the attachment device.

The electrical contact may be a ferrule.

The electrical contact (e.g. ferrule) may be an integral or non-integralpart of the attachment device. The electrical contact may form part ofthe attachment device such that when the attachment device is releasablyconnected to the apparatus, the electrical contact is connected to theapparatus and the member for transmitting the voltage from thespectrometer to the capillary.

The member may surround the joint. The member may be able to transmitthe voltage from the attachment device, downstream of the liquid lineand to the capillary.

The member may be a (optionally electrically conductive) tube. The tubemay extend from being in contact with the electrical contact on theattachment device to being in contact with the capillary.

The electrical connection from the member to the capillary may beperformed by tabs in the member; and/or the electrical connection fromthe member to the capillary may be performed by an electricallyconductive packing between the member and the capillary.

The member may be arranged to receive the voltage upon connection of theattachment device to the apparatus through an electrically conductiveferrule.

The capillary may be configured to spray eluent from its outlet.

The capillary may be configured so as to transmit the voltage to theeluent being sprayed therefrom for forming charged droplets of eluent.

The capillary may be an electrospray capillary or an atmosphericpressure chemical ionisation capillary.

The inlet for receiving the eluent may be spaced from the attachmentdevice.

The probe may have an inlet attachment device disposed towards one endof the probe and an outlet attachment device disposed towards the otherend of the probe.

The probe assembly may further comprise an inlet attachment device forattaching the inlet to a chromatography device.

The inlet of the probe may be configured to be insertable into anorifice of the chromatography device and the inlet attachment device maybe configured so as to releasably engage the orifice so as to releasablyattach the probe to the chromatography device.

The inlet attachment device may comprise a screw fitting, a clamp or abayonet, or any other suitable type of attachment. The screw fitting maycomprise threads that extend circumferentially about the liquid line forengaging an orifice in the chromatography device. The screw fitting andthreads may be on an outer surface of the inlet attachment device.Alternatively, the releasable engagement may be provided by otherattachment means, or any form of attachment means which does not requiretools to fit.

According to another aspect there is provided a mass and/or ion mobilityspectrometer adapted to be connectable with a probe adaptor as describedherein.

According to another aspect there is provided a system comprisingapparatus as described herein and the probe assembly described herein,wherein the outlet attachment device of the probe assembly and theapparatus are configured such that the outlet attachment device isreleasably engagable with an orifice in the apparatus so as to connectthe probe assembly to the apparatus with the probe assembly outletinserted into the orifice.

The apparatus of the system may comprise a voltage supply and a secondelectrical contact located proximate to the orifice for supplying thevoltage to the capillary of the probe assembly. The second electricalcontact may be arranged and configured such that when the outletattachment device of the probe assembly is engaged with the orifice, thesecond electrical contact engages with the first electrical contact onthe outlet attachment device for supplying the voltage from the voltagesupply to the capillary.

The apparatus may comprise a nebuliser tube and a gas supply forsupplying gas through the nebuliser tube, and the probe outlet may beconfigured to be inserted through the orifice into the nebuliser tube.

The system may comprise a chromatography device, wherein the probeassembly has a probe inlet configured to be releasably attached to thechromatography device so as to receive eluent from the chromatographydevice.

The probe assembly may be arranged to receive eluent and deliver itthrough an orifice in a housing of a mass and/or ion mobilityspectrometer.

The probe assembly may comprise:

a liquid line having a liquid inlet for receiving eluent;

a capillary joined to the liquid line for receiving the eluent andhaving a liquid outlet for delivering the eluent into the spectrometer;

an attachment member surrounding the liquid line, wherein the joinbetween the liquid line and the capillary is located downstream of theattachment member, and wherein the attachment member is configured toreleasably engage the apparatus when the capillary and part of theliquid line are inserted through said orifice;

a first electrical contact on the attachment member for engaging anelectrical contact on the apparatus when the capillary and liquid lineare inserted through the orifice and the attachment member is releasablyengaged with the apparatus; and

a conductive member extending downstream from the electrical contact,passed the join between the liquid line and the capillary, and intocontact with the capillary for supplying a voltage from the firstelectrical contact to the capillary.

The join may be arranged in the probe so as to be downstream of theorifice when the attachment member is connected to the apparatus.

The attachment member may comprise a screw fitting, a clamp, a bayonet,or any other suitable type of fitting for releasably engaging theapparatus when the capillary and liquid line are inserted through theorifice.

The screw fitting may comprise threads that extend circumferentiallyaround the liquid line for engaging an orifice in the apparatus intowhich the probe is inserted, in use. The screw fitting and threads maybe on an outer surface of the attachment member. Alternatively, thereleasable engagement may be provided by other releasable attachmentmeans, or any form of attachment means which does not require tools tofit.

The first electrical contact may be on an outer surface of theattachment member. The first electrical contact may be a ferrule.

The electrical contact (e.g. ferrule) may be an integral or non-integralpart of the attachment member. The electrical contact may form part ofthe attachment member such that when the attachment member releasablyengages the apparatus, the electrical contact is connected to theapparatus and the member for transmitting the voltage from the apparatusto the capillary.

The member may be a (optionally electrically conductive) tube thatextends from the first electrical contact on the attachment member tothe capillary.

The electrical connection from the member to the electrically capillarymay be performed by tabs in the member, and/or by an electricallyconductive packing between the member and the capillary.

The capillary may be configured to spray eluent from its outlet.

The capillary may be configured so as to transmit the voltage to theeluent being sprayed therefrom for forming charged droplets of eluent.

The capillary may be an electrospray capillary or an atmosphericpressure chemical ionisation capillary.

The inlet for receiving the eluent may be spaced from the attachmentmember.

The attachment member may be disposed towards an outlet end of the probeassembly and the probe assembly may have another attachment memberdisposed towards an inlet end of the probe assembly for attaching theinlet to a chromatography device or other source of analyte solution.

The inlet of the probe may be configured to be insertable into anorifice of the chromatography device or other source of analyte solutionand the inlet attachment member may be configured so as to releasablyengage the orifice so as to releasably attach the probe assembly to thechromatography device or other source of analyte solution.

The inlet attachment member may comprise a screw fitting, a clamp, abayonet or any other suitable type of fitting. The screw fitting maycomprise threads that extend circumferentially about the liquid line forengaging an orifice in the chromatography device or other source ofanalyte solution. The screw fitting and threads may be on an outersurface of the inlet attachment member. Alternatively, the releasableengagement may be provided by other attachment means, or any form ofattachment means which does not require tools to fit.

According to another aspect there is provided a system comprisingapparatus and the probe assembly described herein, wherein the apparatuscomprises a housing having an orifice therein for receiving the probeassembly therethrough, wherein the attachment member of the probe andthe apparatus housing are configured such that the attachment member isreleasably engagable with the orifice so as to connect the probeassembly to the apparatus with the capillary and part of the liquid lineinserted through the orifice, wherein the apparatus comprises a voltagesupply and a second electrical contact, and wherein the secondelectrical contact is arranged in the apparatus so as to engage thefirst electrical contact on the probe assembly when the probe assemblyhas been releasably engaged with the orifice.

The orifice may be located in an adaptor or in an ion source of a massand/or ion mobility spectrometer such that the capillary of the probeassembly extends into the ion source when the probe assembly isreleasably engaged with the apparatus.

The attachment member may have engaging elements that releasably engagewith complementary engagement elements on the apparatus for enabling thereleasable engagement of the probe assembly to the apparatus.

The engaging elements on the attachment member may be screw threads andthe engaging elements on the apparatus may be complementary screwthreads.

A seal may be provided on the attachment member and/or in the apparatusproximate the orifice for providing a liquid seal between the probeassembly and the apparatus when the probe assembly is releasably engagedwith the apparatus.

The apparatus may comprise a nebuliser tube and a gas supply forsupplying gas through the nebuliser tube, and the probe outlet may beconfigured to be inserted through the orifice into the nebuliser tube.

The system may comprise a chromatography device or other source ofanalyte solution or eluent, wherein the probe assembly may have a probeinlet configured to be attached to the chromatography device or othersource so as to receive the solution or eluent.

The inlet of the probe may be configured to be insertable into anorifice of the chromatography device or other source of analyte solutionand the probe assembly may have an inlet attachment member configured soas to releasably engage the orifice so as to releasably attach the probeassembly to the chromatography device or other source of analytesolution.

The inlet attachment member may have engaging elements that releasablyengage with complementary engagement elements on the chromatographydevice or other source of analyte solution for enabling the releasableengagement of the probe assembly to the chromatography device or othersource of analyte solution. The engaging elements on the attachmentmember may be screw threads and the engaging elements on thechromatography device or other source of analyte solution may becomplementary screw threads.

The inlet attachment member may comprise a screw fitting, a clamp, abayonet or any other suitable type of fitting. The screw fitting maycomprise threads that extend circumferentially about the liquid line forengaging an orifice in the chromatography device or other source ofanalyte solution. The screw fitting and threads may be on an outersurface of the inlet attachment member. Alternatively, the releasableengagement may be provided by other attachment means, or any form ofattachment means which does not require tools to fit.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method of deliveringeluent to a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer comprising:

providing a system as described herein;

inserting the outlet end of the probe assembly into the orifice;

releasably engaging the attachment member of the probe assembly with theapparatus such that the first electrical contact of the probe assemblyengages the second electrical contact of the apparatus; and

supplying eluent into the liquid line such that the eluent istransmitted through the capillary and into the spectrometer.

The method may comprise ionising the eluent or analyte solution in thespectrometer.

The spectrometer may comprise one or more ion guides.

The spectrometer may comprise one or more ion mobility separationdevices and/or one or more Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometerdevices.

The spectrometer may comprise one or more ion traps or one or more iontrapping regions.

The spectrometer may comprise a mass analyser selected from the groupconsisting of: (i) a quadrupole mass analyser; (ii) a 2D or linearquadrupole mass analyser; (iii) a Paul or 3D quadrupole mass analyser;(iv) a Penning trap mass analyser; (v) an ion trap mass analyser; (vi) amagnetic sector mass analyser; (vii) Ion Cyclotron Resonance (“ICR”)mass analyser; (viii) a Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance(“FTICR”) mass analyser; (ix) an electrostatic mass analyser arranged togenerate an electrostatic field having a quadro-logarithmic potentialdistribution; (x) a Fourier Transform electrostatic mass analyser; (xi)a Fourier Transform mass analyser; (xii) a Time of Flight mass analyser;(xiii) an orthogonal acceleration Time of Flight mass analyser; and(xiv) a linear acceleration Time of Flight mass analyser.

The spectrometer may comprise one or more energy analysers orelectrostatic energy analysers.

The spectrometer may comprise one or more ion detectors.

The spectrometer may comprise one or more mass filters selected from thegroup consisting of: (i) a quadrupole mass filter; (ii) a 2D or linearquadrupole ion trap; (iii) a Paul or 3D quadrupole ion trap; (iv) aPenning ion trap; (v) an ion trap; (vi) a magnetic sector mass filter;(vii) a Time of Flight mass filter; and (viii) a Wien filter.

The spectrometer may comprise a device or ion gate for pulsing ions;and/or a device for converting a substantially continuous ion beam intoa pulsed ion beam.

The spectrometer may comprise a C-trap and a mass analyser comprising anouter barrel-like electrode and a coaxial inner spindle-like electrodethat form an electrostatic field with a quadro-logarithmic potentialdistribution, wherein in a first mode of operation ions are transmittedto the C-trap and are then injected into the mass analyser and whereinin a second mode of operation ions are transmitted to the C-trap andthen to a collision cell or Electron Transfer Dissociation devicewherein at least some ions are fragmented into fragment ions, andwherein the fragment ions are then transmitted to the C-trap beforebeing injected into the mass analyser.

The spectrometer may comprise a stacked ring ion guide comprising aplurality of electrodes each having an aperture through which ions aretransmitted in use and wherein the spacing of the electrodes increasesalong the length of the ion path, and wherein the apertures in theelectrodes in an upstream section of the ion guide have a first diameterand wherein the apertures in the electrodes in a downstream section ofthe ion guide have a second diameter which is smaller than the firstdiameter, and wherein opposite phases of an AC or RF voltage areapplied, in use, to successive electrodes.

The spectrometer may comprise a device arranged and adapted to supply anAC or RF voltage to the electrodes.

A chromatography detector may be provided, wherein the chromatographydetector comprises either:

a destructive chromatography detector optionally selected from the groupconsisting of (i) a Flame Ionization Detector (FID); (ii) anaerosol-based detector or Nano Quantity Analyte Detector (NQAD); (iii) aFlame Photometric Detector (FPD); (iv) an Atomic-Emission Detector(AED); (v) a Nitrogen Phosphorus Detector (NPD); and (vi) an EvaporativeLight Scattering Detector (ELSD); or

a non-destructive chromatography detector optionally selected from thegroup consisting of: (i) a fixed or variable wavelength UV detector;(ii) a Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD); (iii) a fluorescencedetector; (iv) an Electron Capture Detector (ECD); (v) a conductivitymonitor; (vi) a Photoionization Detector (PID); (vii) a Refractive IndexDetector (RID); (viii) a radio flow detector; and (ix) a chiraldetector.

The spectrometer may be operated in various modes of operation includinga mass spectrometry (“MS”) mode of operation; a tandem mass spectrometry(“MS/MS”) mode of operation; a mode of operation in which parent orprecursor ions are alternatively fragmented or reacted so as to producefragment or product ions, and not fragmented or reacted or fragmented orreacted to a lesser degree; a Multiple Reaction Monitoring (“MRM”) modeof operation; a Data Dependent Analysis (“DDA”) mode of operation; aData Independent Analysis (“DIA”) mode of operation a Quantificationmode of operation or an Ion Mobility Spectrometry (“IMS”) mode ofoperation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, andwith reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows schematically a probe assembly according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows schematically the outlet end of the probe assembly of FIG.1 for being fitted into a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer;

FIG. 3 shows schematically a detailed view of the outlet end of theprobe showing the capillary and surrounding member;

FIG. 4 shows schematically the inlet end of the probe assembly of FIG. 1for being fitted into a liquid chromatography device;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show schematically a probe adaptor in accordance with anembodiment;

FIGS. 6A and 6B show schematically a probe adaptor and a probe assemblyin accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7 shows the probe adaptor of FIGS. 5A and 5B installed in an ionsource of a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer;

FIG. 8 shows schematically a probe adaptor and an installed probeassembly in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows schematically a probe adaptor in accordance with anembodiment;

FIGS. 10A and 10B show schematically a conventional probe tip;

FIG. 11 shows schematically the probe tip of the probe adaptor of FIGS.5A and 5B in more detail;

FIG. 12A shows schematically an electrospray ionisation probe adaptorcomprising in accordance an embodiment, and FIG. 12B shows schematicallyan atmospheric pressure ionisation probe adaptor comprising inaccordance an embodiment;

FIG. 13 shows schematically the cap and main adaptor body of the probeadaptor of FIGS. 5A and 5B in more detail;

FIGS. 14A and 14B show schematically a cut away view of the cap and mainadaptor body of the probe adaptor of FIGS. 5A and 5B when the capaperture is closed;

FIG. 15 shows schematically a cut away view of the cap and main adaptorbody of the probe adaptor of FIGS. 5A and 5B;

FIGS. 16A and 16B show schematically a cut away view of the cap of theprobe adaptor of FIGS. 5A and 5B when the cap aperture is open;

FIG. 17 shows schematically a cut away view of the cap and main adaptorbody of the probe adaptor of FIGS. 5A and 5B when the probe assembly ofFIG. 1 is installed in the adaptor;

FIG. 18 shows schematically a cut away view of the adaptor of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 19, 20A, 20B, 20C, 21A, 21B, 22A and 22B show schematically a cutaway views of the cap and main adaptor body of the probe adaptor ofFIGS. 5A and 5B;

FIGS. 23A and 23B show schematically a cut away view of the adaptor ofFIG. 6;

FIGS. 24A, 24B, and 24C show schematically the cap and main adaptor bodyof the probe adaptor of FIGS. 5A and 5B when the probe assembly of FIG.1 is installed in the adaptor;

FIGS. 25A, 25B, and 25C show schematically the cap and main adaptor bodyof the probe adaptor of FIGS. 5A and 5B in more detail;

FIGS. 26A and 26B show schematically the cap and main adaptor body ofthe probe adaptor of FIGS. 5A and 5B when an object is inserted into thegutter; and

FIGS. 27A and 27B shows schematically the cap and main adaptor body ofthe probe adaptor of FIGS. 5A and 5B when the cap is opened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will now be described. Various embodiments describedherein are directed to apparatus for coupling a liquid chromatographysystem and/or an ionisation probe assembly, e.g. an atmospheric pressureionisation probe, with an ion source and/or mass and/or ion mobilityspectrometer, e.g. with the ionisation chamber of a mass and/or ionmobility spectrometer.

In general, the apparatus may be used for coupling any liquid basedinput with any spray ionisation process. For example, the liquidchromatography system may comprise any suitable liquid chromatographysystem such as a High Performance Liquid Chromatography (“HPLC”) system,Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (“UPLC”) system, convergencechromatography system, Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (“SFC”), andthe like. Equally, the ion source may comprise any suitable ions source,such as an Electrospray Ionisation (“ESI”) ion source, an AtmosphericPressure Chemical Ionisation (“APCI”) ion source, an impactor spray ionsource, and the like.

The apparatus may comprise an adaptor, i.e. a device that is releasablyattachable to the spectrometer, e.g. by inserting the adaptor into anorifice of the (ionisation chamber of the) spectrometer. Additionally oralternatively, some or all parts of the apparatus may form part of thespectrometer, i.e. may be integrated with the spectrometer.

The apparatus (i.e. the adaptor and/or spectrometer) may be configuredsuch that the probe assembly is releasably attachable to the apparatus,e.g. by inserting the probe into an orifice of the apparatus.

FIG. 1 shows a probe assembly 110 according to an embodiment. The probeassembly 110 has an inlet end 112 having an inlet attachment fitting 114that is configured for attaching the probe to a liquid chromatographydevice (not shown). A liquid inlet 116 is located at the inlet end 112of the probe and is arranged to be insertable into a liquidchromatography output (not shown) such that the liquid inlet 116receives eluent from the liquid chromatography instrument. An(optionally electrically insulating) liquid line 118, e.g. in the formof a silica capillary, runs from the liquid inlet 116 to an outlet end120 of the probe. The inlet end 112 of the probe will be described inmore detail in relation to FIG. 4.

FIG. 2 shows the outlet end 120 of the probe assembly in more detail. Inuse, the outlet end 120 is inserted into the apparatus, e.g. into theadaptor or into the ion source of a mass and/or ion mobilityspectrometer (not shown), and is releasably secured in the apparatus(adaptor or spectrometer) by the outlet attachment fitting 122. Theattachment fitting may comprise any suitable type of fitting, e.g. maycomprise a screw threaded portion on its external surface that engageswith and is screwed into a complementary screw thread on the adaptor orspectrometer, a ratchet fitting, a screw torque fitting, one or moreclips, a bayonet fitting, one or more screws, and the like, for securingthe probe to the adaptor or spectrometer and/or for preventing theincorrect fitting of the outlet attachment device (e.g. by overtightening it).

The liquid line 118 runs from the liquid inlet 116 at the inlet end 112to a (optionally electrically conductive) capillary 124 that forms aliquid outlet at the outlet end 120. The capillary 124 may be formed,for example, from steel. The capillary 124 makes a joint (not shown)with the liquid line 118 at a location downstream of the outletattachment fitting 122. This is described in relation to FIG. 3. Thisarrangement may ensure that only electrically insulated tubing extendsout of the adaptor or spectrometer from the attachment fitting 122,thereby reducing the risk of electrocution of the user.

The capillary 124 receives eluent from the liquid line 118 and deliversit into the spectrometer, when the outlet end 120 is attached to thespectrometer or adaptor (and the adaptor is attached to thespectrometer).

In some embodiments, it may be desired to supply a voltage to the (e.g.electrically conductive) capillary 124 whilst spraying eluent into thespectrometer. However, in other embodiments, a voltage may not beprovided to the capillary 124. For example, the capillary 124 may beheld at ground.

Where a voltage is supplied to the capillary 124, the voltage may besupplied by the adaptor or spectrometer to the outlet attachment fitting122 and may then be conveyed from the outlet attachment fitting 122 tothe capillary 124. However, as mentioned above, the fluid line 118,which may be electrically insulating, extends between the attachmentfitting 122 and the capillary 124. As such, an (optionally electricallyconductive) member 126, in the form of a tube, may be arranged to extendbetween an electrical connection on the attachment device 122 and thecapillary 124, e.g. so as to transmit a voltage from the attachmentdevice 122 to the capillary 124. The member 126 may cover the part ofthe liquid line 118 which passes downstream of the outlet attachmentfitting 122, the joint (not visible) and part of the capillary 124. Theend of the capillary 124 may be arranged to extend out from the(electrically conductive) tube 126. A conductive ferrule 127 may formthe electrical connection on the outlet attachment fitting 122 thatprovides an electrical connection between the adaptor or spectrometerand the tube 126. An electrical connection (e.g. tabs 130) may also bearranged between the tube 126 and the capillary 124, e.g. to allow thevoltage to pass to the capillary 124.

A liquid bleed hole 129 may be provided in the member 126 for allowingliquid to bleed into the adaptor or spectrometer source if the jointbetween the capillary 124 and the liquid line 118 fails. This mayprevent liquid bleeding out of the adaptor or spectrometer, which may bea potential source of electrocution or cause hazards to the user and/orinstrument.

FIG. 3 is a detailed cross-sectional illustration of a portion of theoutlet end 120 of the probe assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The liquidline 118 may be joined to the capillary 124 at a joint 134 such thattheir bores are in fluid communication. The member 126 may extend froman electrical connection on the outlet attachment device 122 (notshown), over the joint 134 and into electrical connection with thecapillary 124. As such, a voltage can be supplied from the attachmentdevice 122 to the capillary 124 by the member 126, even though the fluidline 118 extends between the attachment device 122 and the capillary124.

Metal tabs 130 may be cut into, or depressed in, the member 126, e.g. sothat these tabs 130 of the member 126 contact the capillary 124. Where avoltage is supplied to the capillary 124, this contact may make (and beused to provide) an electrical connection between the two components.

Additionally or alternatively, the tabs 130 may be used in order to fixthe capillary 124 in place relative to the member 126. At least two tabs130 may be provided, wherein one tab 130 may be forced into contact withone side of the capillary 124 and another tab 130 may be forced intocontact with the other side of the capillary 124. The tabs 130 may bearranged relatively close together at axially spaced apart locations.This arrangement serves to hold the capillary 124 in a substantiallyfixed radial position and ensures constant contact between the capillary124 and the member 126.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the inlet end 112 of the probe assembly,i.e. the end to be fitted into the liquid chromatography system. Asdescribed in relation to FIG. 1, the inlet end 112 has an inletattachment fitting 114 for attaching the probe to a liquidchromatography device (not shown). In use, the inlet end 112 of theprobe may be inserted into the liquid chromatography device andreleasably secured therein. The attachment device may include a fittingfor engaging the liquid chromatography device so as to releasably securethe probe to the liquid chromatography device. Any suitable type offitting may be provided, such as a screw threaded portion and/or ratchetmechanism for engaging a complementary profile on the liquidchromatography device, a screw torque fitting (e.g. for preventing theincorrect fitting of the outlet attachment device, e.g. by overtightening it), a bayonet fitting, one or more screws, one or moreclips, and so on.

A liquid inlet 116 at the inlet end 112 is arranged to receive theeluent from the liquid chromatography instrument. A liquid line 118 runsfrom the inlet end 116 to the outlet end 120.

The probe may have a range of variants suited to different applications.For example, the probe may be provided with different bore sizes for theliquid outlet diameter, different variations of the length of thecapillary, different capillary sizes (diameters) and different lengthsof liquid line, and so on. The position of the joint, the lengths of theliquid line 118, member 126 and/or capillary 124, etc. can be varied andselected as desired.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a probe adaptor 200 in accordance with anembodiment, and FIG. 7 shows the probe adaptor assembly 200 installed inan ion source 300 of a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer inaccordance with an embodiment. FIGS. 6A and 6B shows a probe adaptor 200in accordance with another embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6, the adaptor 200 generally comprises atube member 210, a probe tip 220, a main adaptor body 230 and a cap 240that releasably engages with the main adaptor body 230. The probe tip220 is provided at the downstream end (i.e. the outlet end) of the tubemember 210, and the main adaptor body 230 is provided at the upstreamend (i.e. the inlet end) of the tube member 210. A part of the tubemember 210, e.g. its upstream (inlet) end, may be provided inside themain adaptor body 230

The adaptor 200 is configured to be releasably secured to a mass and/orion mobility spectrometer. In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, theadaptor 200 is configured to be insertable into an orifice of an ionsource 300 of a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer. When installed inthe ion source 300, the tube portion 210 and the probe tip 220 areenclosed within the ion source 300, while the main adaptor body 230 andthe cap 240 remain external to the ion source 300. The adaptor may besecured to the spectrometer by securing the main adaptor body 230 to thespectrometer.

As shown in FIG. 7, the adaptor 200 is configured such that wheninstalled in the ion source 300, at least a portion of the probe tip 220extends into an ionisation chamber 310 of the ion source 300. As will bedescribed in more detail below, this allows eluent from the liquidchromatography system (not shown) to be sprayed into the ion sourcechamber 310 via the probe tip 220.

The adaptor 200 is further configured such that the outlet end 120 of aprobe assembly can be inserted into an orifice in the adaptor 200, andcan be releasably secured in the adaptor using the outlet attachmentfitting 122. Accordingly, the adaptor 200 may comprise a complementaryattachment fitting 231, e.g. a screw fitting comprising a screw threadedportion that is configured to engage with the screw threaded portion ofthe attachment fitting 122 of the outlet end 120 of the probe assembly,when the probe assembly screw threaded portion engages with and isscrewed into the adaptor screw fitting. Any other suitable type ofcomplementary fitting may be provided, e.g. as described above. Theattachment fitting 231 is provided in the main adaptor body 230 of theadaptor.

The outlet attachment device 122 of the probe assembly 110 may comprisea housing and a cup 128, such as a PEEK cup, for providing a sealingface between the attachment device 122 and the adaptor 200 when theattachment device is inserted into the adaptor 200. The attachmentdevice 122 may also comprise the ferrule 127 that may be used to make anelectrical connection between the body of the adaptor (in which theprobe is inserted) and the (conductive) member 126. The ferrule 127 andthe peek cup 128 may be crimped to the line 118 such that they do notmove or rotate relative to the line 118, capillary 124 or member 126.The attachment device housing may be rotatable about and/or slidablealong the line 118 for use in attaching the attachment device 122 to theadaptor 200. The ferrule 127 and cup 128 may not rotate, but may sit inthe housing. The attachment device housing may then be rotated so as toscrew the attachment device 122 into the adaptor 200 so that the cup 128forms a seal with the adaptor 200.

The adaptor 200 is configured such that when the outlet end 120 of theprobe assembly is inserted into the adaptor 200 (via the orifice), thecapillary 124, the member 126, the capillary joint 134 between thecapillary 124 and the liquid line 118, and part of the liquid line 118are substantially enclosed within the main adaptor body 230 and the tubemember 210.

In some embodiments, a portion of the capillary 124 will extend beyondthe probe tip 220, i.e. so that when the adaptor is installed in the ionsource 200, the capillary 124 will extend beyond the probe tip 220 intothe ionisation chamber 310. This may be the case, for example, where theionisation source is an ESI ion source. In other embodiments, most orall of the capillary 124 may be enclosed within the tuber portion 210and the probe tip 220, i.e. so that the capillary 124 will not extendbeyond the probe tip 220 into the ionisation chamber 310. This may bethe case, for example, where the ionisation source is an APCI ionsource.

A portion of the attachment fitting 122 will also extend beyond theadaptor main body 230 (proud of the orifice), together with the liquidline 118 and inlet portion 112 of the probe.

In some embodiments, e.g. where the ionisation source is an ESI ionsource, the tube member 210 of the adaptor 200 may comprise an internalnebuliser gas tube 211 that, when the probe assembly 110 is insertedinto the adaptor 200 (via the orifice), surrounds the capillary 124, themember 126, the capillary joint 134 between the capillary 124 and theliquid line 118, and part of the liquid line 118.

In use, eluent received from the liquid chromatography device passesfrom the liquid inlet 116 of the probe assembly, through the liquid line118, the capillary joint 134, through the capillary 124, to the liquidoutlet 144, and into the ionisation chamber 310 of the spectrometer. Anebuliser gas flow is arranged to flow along the nebuliser gas tube 211of the tube member 210 towards the outlet of the capillary 124. The gasflow will flow past the outlet of the capillary 124 into the ionisationchamber 310. This enhances or enables the spraying of the eluent fromthe capillary 124 into the ion source 300. A voltage on the capillary124 at the liquid outlet transfers voltage from the capillary 124 to theeluent as it enters the ionisation chamber 310 causing ionisation tooccur.

The high voltage may be applied to the tube member 210 internally withinthe adaptor or spectrometer and passed from the tube member 210 to theprobe assembly 110 via the ferrule 128.

In other embodiments, e.g. where the ionisation source is an APCI ionsource, as shown in FIG. 8, the tube member 210 of the adaptor 200 maycomprise an internal nebuliser gas tube 211 that, when the probeassembly 110 is inserted into the adaptor 200 (via the orifice),surrounds the capillary 124, the member 126, the capillary joint 134between the capillary 124 and the liquid line 118, and part of theliquid line 118.

In use, eluent received from the liquid chromatography device passesfrom the liquid inlet 116 of the probe assembly, through the liquid line118, the capillary joint 134, through the capillary 124, to the liquidoutlet 144, into the probe tip region 220, and then into the ionisationchamber 310 of the spectrometer. A nebuliser gas flow is arranged toflow along the nebuliser gas tube 211 of the tube member 210 towards theoutlet of the capillary 124. The gas flow will flow past the outlet ofthe capillary 124 into the probe tip region 210. This enhances orenables the spraying of the eluent from the capillary 124 into the probetip region 210. A heater may be provided in the probe tip region 210.

FIG. 9 show a view of the probe tip 220 of the probe adaptor assembly200. The probe tip 220 is releasably attachable to the outlet end of thetube member 210 of the adaptor 200. The probe tip 220 may be attached tothe outlet end of the tube portion 210 by any suitable and desiredmeans, such as by one or more screws, a screw fitting, a clamp, or abayonet, optionally together with a washer or gasket 224.

The probe tip includes a nebuliser gas capillary 221 that extends thoughthe main body of the probe tip 220. In some (ESI) embodiments, thedownstream end of the nebuliser gas capillary 221 may protrude from thedownstream end of the probe tip 220. In other (APCI) embodiments, thedownstream end of the nebuliser gas capillary 221 is enclosed within theprobe tip 220

When the probe tip 220 is attached to the tube member 210 of the adaptor200, the upstream end of the nebuliser gas capillary 221 will extendinto the downstream end of the nebuliser gas tube 211, and will bearranged to be in fluid communication with the downstream end of thenebuliser gas tube 211. The nebuliser gas capillary 221 may besubstantially coaxially arranged with respect to the nebuliser gas tube211.

When the probe assembly 110 is installed in the adaptor 200, thecapillary 124 of the probe assembly is positioned within the nebulisercapillary 221, i.e. coaxially within the nebuliser capillary 221. Aportion of the capillary 124 may extend beyond the nebuliser gascapillary 221, i.e. such that when the adaptor 200 is installed into theion source 300, the downstream (outlet) end of the capillary 124 mayextend into the ionisation chamber 310 (e.g. for ESI) or into the probetip region 220 (e.g. for APCI).

In use, the nebuliser gas flow that flows along the nebuliser gas tube211 is arranged to flow from the nebuliser gas tube 211 through thenebuliser gas capillary 221 and into the ionisation chamber 310 or intothe probe tip region 220. As described above, the gas flow will flowpast the outlet of the capillary 124 into the ionisation chamber 310 orinto the probe tip region 220, to thereby enhance or enable the sprayingof the eluent from the capillary 124 into the ion source 300 or into theprobe tip region 220.

When installing the probe assembly 110 into the adaptor 200, thecapillary 124 of the probe assembly must be passed through the nebulisergas capillary 221.

As illustrated by FIGS. 10A and 10B, this can be relatively difficultsince the cross sectional area of the upstream entrance to the nebulisergas capillary is relatively small, e.g. when compared with the totalcross-sectional area of the nebuliser gas tube. This is particularlydifficult when the probe assembly can only be handled from the opposite(inlet) end of the probe assembly.

Accordingly, the probe tip must typically be removed in order to installthe probe assembly into the spectrometer. This allows the outlet end ofthe probe assembly (the outlet end of the capillary) to be handledand/or the probe tip itself to be handled so that the capillary can bethreaded through the nebuliser gas capillary. Removing the probe tiptypically requires tools, and can accordingly be an awkward andtime-consuming task. It may also be necessary to open the ionisationchamber of the ion source, i.e. to the ambient atmosphere, in order toaccess and remove the probe tip, which can again add time and complexityto the task of installing the probe assembly.

As shown in FIG. 11, according to various embodiments, the probe tip 220comprises an internal guiding member 222 that is configured to allow thecapillary 124 of the probe assembly to be located within the nebulisergas capillary 221. The guiding member 222 may comprise, for example, afunnel 223 arranged at and in fluid communication with the upstreamentrance to the nebuliser gas capillary 221. The funnel 223 may bearranged so as to be coaxially aligned with the nebuliser gas capillary221, with the narrow end of the funnel 223 substantially adjacent to orin close proximity with the upstream entrance to the nebuliser gascapillary 221.

In this case, as the probe assembly 110 is inserted in to the adaptor200, the capillary 124 of the probe assembly 110 will pass through themain body 230 of the adaptor, through the nebuliser gas tube 211 andtowards the funnel 223 of the guiding member 222. When the outlet(downstream) end of the capillary 124 reaches the funnel 223 and as theprobe assembly 110 is inserted deeper into the adaptor 200, the funnel223 will act to guide the capillary 124 into and then through thenebuliser gas capillary 221.

Accordingly, the provision of a guiding member 222 in accordance withvarious embodiments removes the need for a user to accurately align thecapillary 124 with the nebuliser gas capillary 221 when installing theprobe assembly 110 in the adaptor or spectrometer. That is, thecapillary 124 can be inserted into the nebuliser gas capillary 221 whenhandling the probe only from the opposite (inlet) end of the probeassembly. This in turn beneficially removes the need to remove the probetip 220 when installing the probe assembly in the adaptor 200 orspectrometer. Equally, the adaptor need not be removed and/or the ionsource need not be opened in order to install a probe assembly 110 inthe adaptor or spectrometer.

Accordingly, the provision of a guiding member 222 according to variousembodiments beneficially reduces the time required to install the probeassembly 110, and can facilitate tool-free installation of the probeassembly 110 in the adaptor 200 or spectrometer.

Nevertheless, as described above the probe tip 220 may be removed fromthe tube member 210 of the probe adaptor 200, e.g. for cleaning,maintenance, replacement, etc. Although this may require tools, theprovision of the guiding member 222 means that the probe tip 220 neednot be removed in order to install or remove the probe assembly 110.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show detailed views of the main body 230 and the cap240 of the probe adaptor 200. The cap 240 is removably attachable to themain body 230 of the probe adaptor.

The adaptor 200 according to various embodiments may be configured suchthat any suitable type of atmospheric pressure ionisation ion source maybe coupled to the mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer. In particular,as shown in FIG. 12A, the adaptor 200 may comprise an electrosprayionisation (“ESI”) probe adaptor, and as shown in FIG. 12B, the adaptormay comprise an atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (“APCI”) probeadaptor. As will be appreciated, the provision of multiple types ofadaptor means that the type of ionisation source that is coupled to thespectrometer can be changed in a relatively simple and convenientmanner, i.e. by changing the adaptor.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the caps 240 for the plural typesof adaptor are substantially identical. Accordingly, the cap 240 may beuniversal for multiple types of adaptor.

As described above, the adaptor 200 is configured such that the outletend 120 of the probe assembly can be inserted into the adaptor 200 viaan orifice, and can be releasably secured in the adaptor, e.g. byscrewing the outlet attachment fitting 122 into a screw threaded portionof an adaptor screw fitting 231. As shown in FIG. 13, a portion of theadaptor fitting 231 may extend beyond (may sit proud of) the main body230 of the adaptor.

The adaptor 200 may be configured such that when the adaptor 200supplies a voltage to the capillary 124 via the ferrule 127, the adaptorfitting 231 may receive a voltage. For example, the fitting 231 may formpart of or may be in electrical contact with the tube member 210 and/orthe the nebuliser gas tube 211 to which the voltage is applied (and fromwhich the voltage is passed to the probe assembly 110 via the ferrule128). In this case, there is a risk of electrical shock if a user isable to access the fitting 231 when a voltage is being supplied to thecapillary 124.

It would be possible to electrically isolate (at least) the portion ofthe fitting 231 that extends beyond the adaptor main body 230 to attemptto address this problem. In some embodiments, a voltage is not suppliedto the capillary 124. However, liquid, e.g. due to a leak, within thefitting 231 or otherwise may form an electrical connection between oneor more of the internal electrically conductive parts of the adaptor 200(e.g. with ferrule 127 or the part of the adaptor 200 that provides thevoltage to the ferrule 127 or otherwise) and the outside of the adaptormain body 230, e.g. in the vicinity of the fitting 231. The presence ofliquid in the vicinity of the adaptor fitting 231 may be relativelycommon, for example due an eluent leak within the attachment device 122or otherwise, e.g. due to a user incorrectly attaching the attachmentdevice 122 of the probe assembly 110 to the adaptor 200.

Accordingly, there is in general a risk of electrical shock if a user isable to access the fitting 231 or its vicinity when a voltage is beingsupplied to the capillary 124.

Furthermore, contact with leaked eluent (which may comprise solvent) canalso be hazardous to a user, even if the user wears gloves (e.g. if thesolvent is able to pass through the gloves). In addition, the presenceof solvent in the vicinity of the electrical components of the adaptorcan be a fire hazard.

Accordingly, a cap 240 is provided, where the cap covers (encloses) thefitting 231 and its vicinity when the cap 240 is secured to the mainbody 230 of the adaptor 200. The cap 240 is configured such that a usercannot access the fitting 231 and its vicinity when the cap 240 issecured to the adaptor main body 230. In particular, the cap 240 isconfigured such that a user cannot introduce objects, such as a probeassembly 110, to the fitting 231 and its vicinity when the cap 240 issecured to the adaptor main body 230.

The adaptor 200 may further comprise a device configured to detect whenthe cap 240 is properly secured to the adaptor main body 230. The devicemay comprise, for example, a magnetic and/or voltage operated switchdevice. When it is detected that the cap 240 is secured to the main body230, i.e. so as to prevent access to the fitting 231, then the voltageand/or an internal gas source or vacuum pump may be turned on (or theadaptor may be configured such that the voltage and/or an internal gassource or vacuum pump are able to be turned on). When it is detectedthat the cap 240 is not secured to the main body 230, i.e. such that thefitting 231 is accessible, then the voltage and/or an internal gassource or vacuum pump may be turned off (and/or the adaptor may beconfigured such that the voltage and/or an internal gas source or vacuumpump are unable to be turned on). This arrangement beneficially preventsa user coming into contact with the high voltage that may be applied tothe capillary 124 via the adaptor 200 and/or leaked eluent, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the cap 240 is securable to the mainadaptor body 230 so as to prevent access to the fitting 231 and itsvicinity when a probe assembly 110 is not attached to (when the probeassembly 110 is detached from) the adaptor 200. The cap 240 should alsobe securable to the adaptor main body 230 (so as to prevent access tothe fitting 231 and its vicinity) when a probe assembly 110 is attachedto the adaptor 200. However, as described above, the inlet end 112 ofthe probe assembly 110 is, in use, attached to a (separate)chromatography device.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13, the cap 240 includes an aperture 241through which at least a portion of the probe assembly 110 can pass. Theaperture 241 may be shaped and/or sized such that the inlet endattachment fitting 114 of the probe assembly 110 can pass through theaperture 241, e.g. such that the inlet end attachment fitting 114 of theprobe assembly 110 can only just pass through the aperture 241, i.e. soas to prevent larger objects and/or other incompatible types of probefrom passing though the aperture 241.

The aperture 241 is arranged such that when the probe assembly 110 isinstalled in the adaptor 200, the liquid line 118 can pass through theaperture 241, e.g. when the cap 240 is secured to the main adaptor body230. The aperture 241 may be arranged such that when the cap 240 issecured to the adaptor main body 230, then the aperture is substantiallyaligned with the orifice/fitting 231 in the main body 230. The aperture241 and the orifice/fitting 231 may or may not be coaxially aligned. Forexample, at least a portion of the aperture 241 may intersect with acentral longitudinal axis of the orifice, where the portion of theaperture 241 that intersects with the axis may be the centre of theaperture 241, or some other non-central part of the aperture 241.

FIG. 13 shows a detailed view of the adaptor main body 230 and the capwhen a probe assembly 110 is inserted into the adaptor 200. As shown inFIG. 13, when the probe assembly 110 is installed in the adaptor 200,the attachment device 122 of the probe assembly 110 is attached to (e.g.screwed into) the fitting 231 of the adaptor main body 230. In thisconfiguration, (most of) the capillary 124, the member 126, thecapillary joint 134 between the capillary 124 and the liquid line 118,and part of the liquid line 118, which are not visible in FIG. 13, willbe enclosed within the adaptor main body 230 and the adaptor tube member210. A portion of the attachment 122 extends beyond the fitting 231externally to the adaptor main body 230. The portion of the line 118upstream of the attachment device 122 extends from the attachment device122, through the aperture 241 in the cap 240 and onwardly to thechromatography device (not shown).

The cap 240 is configured such that when the probe assembly 110 isinstalled in the adaptor 200, and the cap 240 is secured in place,access to the fitting 231 and its vicinity is restricted by the cap 240.Accordingly, the risk of electrical shock, contact with solvent, etc.,is reduced.

However, the provision of the aperture 241 in the cap 240 may allowaccess to the fitting 231 or its vicinity when the probe assembly 110 isdetached from the adaptor 200, and when the capillary voltage is beingsupplied to the capillary 124, i.e. when the cap 240 is secured to themain adaptor body 230.

Accordingly, the cap 240 is provided with a device for closing theaperture 241 and/or otherwise preventing access to the fitting 231 orits vicinity via the aperture 241 when the cap 240 is secured to theadaptor main body 230 and when a probe assembly 110 is not attached tothe adaptor 200 (when the probe assembly 110 is detached from theadaptor 200).

The device may take any suitable form, but as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14Bthe device may beneficially take the form of one or more balls, e.g. aball bearing 242, provided internally within the cap 240. However, thedevice need not be in the form of a ball, and may comprise some otherobject provided internally within the cap. The cap 240 may be configuredsuch that the ball 242 or other object may freely move within aninternal hollow portion of the cap 240, but such that the ball or otherobject is contained within the cap 240, i.e. cannot be removed from thehollow portion of the cap 240 in normal operation (without e.g.dismantling the cap 240). Accordingly, the ball bearing 242 or otherobject and/or aperture 241 has an appropriate size and/or shape suchthat the ball 242 or other object cannot pass though the aperture 241,e.g. the diameter of the ball 242 or other object is greater than thediameter of the aperture 241. However, the cap 240 may be configuredsuch that the ball 242 or other object cannot fully seal the aperture241.

As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the hollow portion of the cap 240 maycomprise a first internal pocket 243 for receiving the ball 242 or otherobject. The first pocket 243 is configured such that the ball bearing242 or other object cannot leave the internal hollow portion of the cap240 via the first pocket 242, e.g. a (minimum) internal diameter of thepocket 243 is less than the diameter of the ball 242 or other object.The cap 240 is configured such that when the cap 240 is in or is closeto an upright position (i.e. when a central longitudinal axis of the cap240 is substantially vertical, e.g. when the cap 240 is secured to theadaptor main body 230) (and when a probe assembly 110 is not installedin the adaptor 200), then the ball bearing 242 or other object will fall(under the influence of gravity) into the first pocket 243. For example,the cap 240 may comprise a funnel portion arranged such that when thecap 240 is in or is close to an upright (vertical) position the ball 242or other object will fall within the funnel portion under the influenceof gravity into the first pocket 243.

The cap 240 is configured such that when the ball bearing 242 or otherobject is positioned within the first pocket 243 (and when the cap 240is secured to the adaptor main body 230), then the ball bearing 242 orother object prevents access to the screw fitting 231 or its vicinityvia the aperture 241.

As will be appreciated, this arrangement prevents the probe 110 assemblyfrom coming into contact with the fitting 231 or its vicinity, e.g. ifan inexperienced user attempts to insert the probe assembly 110 into theadaptor 200 when the cap 240 is closed (and therefore when a voltage ispotentially being applied to the capillary 124). This also preventsother objects (e.g. fingers, tools, etc.) from coming into contact withthe fitting 231 or its vicinity when the cap 240 is closed. The risk ofelectrical shock or contact with solvent to the user is thereforesubstantially reduced.

The cap 240 may be configured such that the ball 242 or other objectcannot fully seal the aperture beneath the first internal pocket 243. Asshown in FIG. 15, when the ionisation region 310 of the ion sourceand/or tube portion 210 is pressurised, the ball 242 or other object maybe configured to be ejected from the first internal pocket 243. In thiscase, an audible hiss from gas escaping via the adaptor 200 may alertthe user to the fact that a probe assembly is not installed.

When installing the probe assembly 110 into the adaptor 200, the probeassembly 110 is passed through the aperture 241 in the cap 240. However,the ball 242 or other object may interfere with this operation.Accordingly, one or more second pockets 244 are provided in the internalhollow portion of the cap 240 for receiving the ball 242 or otherobject.

As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the one or more second pockets 244 may bearranged such that when the cap 240 is not in or is not close to theupright (vertical) position (e.g. when the cap 240 is in or is close toa horizontal position), then the ball bearing 242 or other object willfall (under the influence of gravity) into one or the one or more secondpockets 244. For example, tilting the cap 240 sufficiently far away fromthe upright position may cause the ball 242 or other object to move intoone of the one of more second pockets 244.

The adaptor 200 is generally arranged such that it is necessary toremove the cap 240 from the main adaptor body 230 in order to rotate thecap 240 sufficiently far away from the upright position to cause theball 242 or other object to move into one of the one of more secondpockets 244. Accordingly, the aperture 241 is openable only when theadaptor 200 is not supplying the voltage to the capillary 124.

The cap 240 should be configured such that when the cap 240 is rotatedby 90 degrees relative to the upright (vertical) position (about arotation axis orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis of the cap240) then the ball bearing 242 or other object will fall into one of theone or more second pockets, but the cap 240 may also be configured suchthat the ball bearing 242 or other object will fall into one of the oneor more second pockets when the cap 240 is rotated by less than 90degrees relative to the upright (vertical position). The angle or anglesrelative to the upright (vertical) position at which the cap 240 must beheld in order for the ball bearing or other object to fall into one ofthe one or more second pockets 244 may be selected as desired.

As shown in FIG. 16B, the cap 240 is configured such that when the ballbearing 242 or other object is positioned within one of the one or moresecond pockets 244 then the aperture 241 is opened, i.e. so that theprobe assembly 110 can be passed through the aperture 241, e.g. withoutthe ball 242 or other object interfering with this operation.

The one or more second pockets may comprise a single pocket, e.g., thatextends in a loop around the aperture 241 (as shown in FIGS. 16A and16B), or may alternatively comprise any suitable plural number ofdiscrete pockets.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 17, the cap 240 is configured such that whenthe ball bearing 242 or other object is positioned within the one ormore second pockets 244, and when the cap 240 is returned to or close toits upright position (e.g. when the cap 240 is secured to the mainadaptor body 230), then the ball bearing 242 or other object will fallinto the first pocket 243 when no probe assembly 110 is installed in theadaptor (when the probe assembly 110 is detached from the adaptor 200),or will not move into the first pocket 243, e.g. will substantiallyremain within the second pocket 244, when a probe assembly 110 isinstalled in the adaptor 200. For example, when the probe assembly 110is inserted through the aperture 241, the line 118 of the probe assembly110 may cause the ball bearing 242 or other object to remain within thesecond pocket 244.

It will accordingly be appreciated that the cap 240 is provided with adevice for closing the aperture 241 and/or otherwise preventing accessto the fitting 231 or its vicinity via the aperture 241 when the cap 240is secured to the adaptor main body 230 and when a probe assembly 110 isnot attached to the adaptor 200 (when the probe assembly 110 is detachedfrom the adaptor 200). The device is configured such that when theaperture 241 is closed, the aperture 241 may be opened only when the cap240 is removed from the adaptor main body 230 (i.e. when the cap 240 isopened). The device is, however, configured to remain open when a probeassembly 110 is installed in the adaptor 200 and the cap 240 is securedto the main adaptor body 230 (i.e. when the cap 240 is closed). The riskof electrical shock and/or contact with solvent, etc., to the user istherefore substantially reduced.

As described above, in some (e.g. ESI) embodiments, when the probeassembly 110 is installed in the adaptor 200, a portion of the outlet(downstream) end of the capillary 124 will extend beyond (downstream of)the probe tip 220, i.e. beyond (downstream of) the nebuliser gascapillary 221.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, in other (e.g. APCI) embodiments, when theprobe assembly 110 is installed in the adaptor 200, a portion of theoutlet (downstream) end of the capillary 124 will extend beyond(downstream of) the nebuliser gas capillary 221, but within the probetip 220.

The position of the capillary 124 relative to the nebuliser gascapillary 221 is an important parameter that must be tightly controlledin order to optimise the ionisation process and/or in order to maintaina consistent ionisation process. For example, changes in the position ofthe outlet end of the capillary relative to the outlet end of thenebuliser gas capillary 221 can cause undesirable variations in theionisation process.

As discussed above, in conventional arrangements, in order to remove theprobe assembly 110 from the spectrometer, it is necessary to disassemblethe probe tip 220. This necessarily means that the position of theoutlet end of the capillary 124 relative to the outlet end of thenebuliser gas capillary 221 is lost. Thus, in conventional arrangementswhen a probe assembly 110 is removed and subsequently replaced, or whenanother probe assembly is installed in the spectrometer, the position ofthe outlet end of the capillary 124 relative to the outlet end of thenebuliser gas capillary 221 changes. The position must then bere-optimised or re-adjusted, thereby increasing downtime and cost forthe spectrometer.

The adaptor 200 according to various embodiments described herein isprovided with an adjustment mechanism that facilitates tool-freeadjustment of the position of the outlet (downstream) end of thecapillary 124 relative to the outlet (downstream) end of the nebulisergas capillary 221. This means that the position of the outlet(downstream) end of the capillary 124 relative to the outlet(downstream) end of the nebuliser gas capillary 221 can be relativelyeasily and conveniently adjusted and/or optimised.

Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism according to various embodimentsis configured such that when a probe assembly 110 is removed andsubsequently replaced from the adaptor 200, or when another probeassembly 110 is installed in the adaptor 200, the position of the outlet(downstream) end of the capillary 124 relative to the outlet(downstream) end of the nebuliser gas capillary 221 substantially doesnot change, i.e. remains substantially fixed, or changes by a relativelysmall amount. This can reduce the amount of re-optimising orre-adjusting required, and may mean that the position does not need tobe re-optimised or re-adjusted, thereby reducing downtime and costassociated with the spectrometer.

According to various embodiments, the adaptor 200 is provided with anadjustment mechanism or other control device for adjusting the positionof the outlet (downstream) end of the capillary 124 relative to theoutlet (downstream) end of the nebuliser gas capillary 221. As shown inFIG. 13 (and elsewhere), the adjustment mechanism may comprise arotating dial 246 that is e.g. positioned on an external surface of thecap 240. This facilitates real-time optimising or adjustment of thedistance, or “live tuning”, e.g. during an experiment.

Rotation of the dial may cause the position of the outlet (downstream)end of the capillary 124 relative to the outlet (downstream) end of thenebuliser gas capillary 221 to change. The adaptor 200 may comprise anysuitable mechanism in order to facilitate this, such as one or morecams, one or more lifting cams, and the like.

FIG. 19 shows a cut away detailed view of the cap 240 and the mainadaptor body 230 in accordance with an embodiment. The rotating dial 246may be connected to a first mechanism in the cap 240 that is configuredto engage with a corresponding second mechanism in the adaptor main body230, i.e. such that rotation of the dial 246 causes the second mechanismin the adaptor main body 230 to rotate (via rotation of the firstmechanism in the cap 240) (when the cap 240 is secured to the mainadaptor body 230).

For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the first mechanism may comprise afirst set of teeth 247, and the second mechanism may comprise acorresponding second set of teeth 232. Each set of teeth may compriseplural teeth, e.g. having a circular arrangement that may be arranged tobe coaxially aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the adaptor200. In use, the first 247 and second 232 sets of teeth may face oneanother and may be configured so as to engage when the cap 240 issecured to the main adaptor body 230 (i.e. when the cap 240 is closed).Rotation of the dial 246 may cause the first set of teeth 247 to rotate,which in turn may cause the second set of teeth 232 to rotate (when theteeth are engaged, i.e. when the cap 240 is closed). Rotation of thesecond set of teeth 232 may cause the position of the outlet(downstream) end of the capillary 124 relative to the outlet(downstream) end of the nebuliser gas capillary 221 to be adjusted, e.g.via an appropriate mechanism (comprising one or more cams, one or morelifting cams, and the like) in the main adaptor body 230.

The dial 246 and/or the first set of teeth 247 may be continuouslyrotatable, i.e. the dial 246 and/or the first set of teeth 247 may haveno preferred or “home” rotational position.

As such, rotation of the dial 246 may cause the position of the outlet(downstream) end of the capillary 124 relative to the outlet(downstream) end of the nebuliser gas capillary 221 to be adjusted. Thedial 246 may be rotated without tools, and so this adjustment mechanismfacilitates tool-free adjustment of the position of the outlet(downstream) end of the capillary 124 relative to the outlet(downstream) end of the nebuliser gas capillary 221.

Furthermore, the provision of plural engaging teeth in accordance withvarious embodiments means that when the teeth of the first 247 andsecond 232 sets of teeth are not aligned as the cap 240 is secured tothe main adaptor body 230 (as the cap 240 is closed), then therotational position of the second set of teeth 232 can only ever bealtered by a maximum of half the pitch of the teeth when the cap 240 issecured to the main adaptor body 230, and so the position of the outlet(downstream) end of the capillary 124 relative to the outlet(downstream) end of the nebuliser gas capillary 221 will only ever bealtered by a correspondingly small amount (that e.g. depends on thepitch of the teeth, and the pitch of the one or more cams or otherdevices to which the teeth are connected, and which may be selected asdesired).

According to various further embodiments, one or both of the first 247and second 232 sets of teeth may be spring loaded. That is, one or moresprings or other elastic devices may be provided that are connected tothe first 247 and/or second 232 sets of teeth. In this case, the first247 and/or second 232 sets of teeth may be configured to be moveable,e.g. in the direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of theorifice. The one or more springs or other elastic devices may beconfigured so as to be elastically deformed when the first 247 and/orsecond 232 sets of teeth are moved in this manner. This arrangementprevents the rotational position of the second set of teeth 232 frombeing altered (and therefore prevents the position of the outlet(downstream) end of the capillary 124 relative to the outlet(downstream) end of the nebuliser gas capillary 221 from being altered(at all)) when the first 247 and/or second 232 sets of teeth are broughtinto the engaged position when the teeth are not aligned.

In this case, rather than altering the rotational position of the secondset of teeth 232 when the teeth are not aligned as the teeth areengaged, the longitudinal direction of the first 247 and/or second 232set of teeth is instead altered, as the one or more springs or otherelastic devices are deformed. Rotation of the first set of teeth 247(due to rotation of the dial 246) will cause the teeth to become fullyengaged as the two sets of teeth become properly aligned (and as the oneor more springs or other elastic devices cause the first and/or secondset of teeth to become fully engaged), without the rotational positionof the second set of teeth 232 being altered.

This beneficially means that the teeth can be engaged with one anotheras the cap 240 is closed substantially without affecting the rotationalposition of the second set of teeth 232. This in turn means that whenthe cap 240 is opened and/or when a probe assembly 110 is removed fromthe adaptor 200 and is subsequently replaced, or when another probeassembly 110 is installed in the adaptor 200, the position of the outlet(downstream) end of the capillary 124 relative to the outlet(downstream) end of the nebuliser gas capillary 221 substantially doesnot change, i.e. remains substantially fixed.

This arrangement also facilitates real-time optimising or adjustment ofthe distance during an experiment, e.g., “live tuning”.

Where the position of the outlet (downstream) end of the capillary 124relative to the outlet (downstream) end of the nebuliser gas capillary221 reaches a minimum or maximum, the provision of a spring loadedmechanism will also allow the first and/or second sets of teeth to thendisengage, e.g. such that rotation of the dial 246 causes rotation ofthe first set of teeth 247, but not of the second set of teeth 132, i.e.as the first set of teeth 247 “ride” over the second set of teeth 132.An audible “clicking” sound when this occurs will alert a user to thefact that the position of the outlet (downstream) end of the capillary124 relative to the outlet (downstream) end of the nebuliser gascapillary 221 has reached its minimum or maximum value. The surfaces ofthe teeth may be arranged to be resistant to wear.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, 21A, 21B, 22A and 22B illustrate the mechanism inmore detail in accordance with an embodiment.

In this case, when the cap 240 is fitted to the main adaptor body 230,the two sets of teeth will turn together. As the teeth rotate, a camslides along a dowel. The fitting 231 may be fixed (i.e. unable torotate). FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C illustrate the mechanism when it is inits lowest position (i.e. where the capillary 124 protrusion isgreatest).

As the cam rotates, the gap from the bearing face of the dowel to thecam increases. This may be due to gas pressure from the ion source 310.The fitting 231 is pushed up (in the direction shown by the arrow inFIGS. 21A and 21B thereby increasing the distance “X”. This decreasesthe capillary protrusion, i.e. because the probe, which has a fixedlength, is fitted to the fitting 231.

According to various embodiments, the probe capillary does not rotate,but rather just moves in the axial “Z” direction, e.g. to a maximum“X+”, e.g. up until the stop of the cam.

In some embodiments, one or two or more dowels may be provided and used,e.g. such that one is always in the slot.

FIG. 23A shows the position of the outlet (downstream) end of thecapillary 124 relative to the outlet (downstream) end of the nebulisergas capillary 221 in a relatively extended position. FIG. 23B shows theposition of the outlet (downstream) end of the capillary 124 relative tothe outlet (downstream) end of the nebuliser gas capillary 221 in arelatively retracted position.

FIGS. 24A, 24B, and 24C show detailed views of the adaptor main body 230and the cap 240 when a probe assembly 110 is installed in the adaptor200 and when the cap 240 is closed, i.e. when the cap 240 is secured tothe main adaptor body 230.

In use, the inlet end 112 of the probe assembly is attached to achromatography device (not shown) (as described above).

The attachment device 114 at the inlet end 112 of the probe may be ableto slide along the liquid line 118 and may be able to rotate about theliquid line 118. This allows the user to push the tube well into thesupply fitting of the liquid chromatography device so as to reduce thedead volume. The attachment device 114 may then be rotated so as toscrew it into the liquid chromatography device outlet and so as to makea seal therewith. Beneficially, this removes any need to twist theliquid line 118, which would otherwise stress the tube.

However, since the attachment relies on a user forming the attachmentcorrectly, it is possible that a leak may develop between thechromatography device and the attachment device 114. In this case, it ispossible that liquid may track along the liquid line 118 towards theadaptor 200. As discussed above, the presence of liquid gives rise tothe risk of electrical shock and other risks to the user and/or to theinstrument such as combustion of solvent, contact of liquid withelectrical systems, and the user contacting solvent, etc. In addition,other liquid may be accidentally spilled on the adaptor, or otherwise(unintentionally) introduced to the adaptor.

In order to further address these problems, the adaptor main body 230and/or cap 240 is configured such that liquid incident upon the adaptormain body 230 and/or the cap 240 will be directed away from the adaptorand/or probe interior. The adaptor main body 230 is provided with aliquid gutter or gully 233 which is arranged to collect liquid incidentupon the adaptor main body 230 and/or the cap 240 and direct that fluidto a liquid drain or spout 234.

As shown in FIGS. 25A, 25B, and 25C, the gutter 233 is formedsubstantially continuously around the adaptor main body 230, e.g. 360degrees around the sides of the adaptor 200, i.e. such that liquidincident upon most or all of the adaptor main body 230 and/or the cap240 is collected by the gutter 233. The gutter 233 is configured suchthat collected liquid is directed to the liquid drain or spout 234, e.g.due to a sloping gutter floor.

The gutter 233 may be open-topped or otherwise arranged such that a userwill be alerted to the presence of liquid in the gutter 233, e.g. byvisual inspection, and thereby to the presence of a leak in the system.

The gutter 233 and/or drain 243 may be arranged so as to be fixed to theadaptor main body, e.g. such that the gutter 233 and/or drain 243 cannotbe removed, e.g. when a user installs a probe into the adaptor 200.

The drain 234 is arranged such that the liquid collected by the gutter233 will drip or otherwise fall from the drain 234. By arranging for theliquid to drip in this way, a continuous electrical conduction pathcannot be formed by the unwanted liquid, thereby reducing the risk ofelectrical shock.

The drain 234 may be arranged such that the drain maintains a fixedposition, e.g. relative to the adaptor 200. Accordingly, liquidcollected by the gutter 233 will drip or otherwise fall in a positionselected by a user.

According to various embodiments, the drain 234 comprises one or more(open-ended) slots or other indentations. In use, the liquid drips viathe one or more slots or other indentations. This is beneficial, e.g.when compared to a drain comprising an aperture or hole, since theprovision of one or more open ended slots or other indentations meansthat there is no possibility of the drain becoming blocked, e.g. due tohigh viscosity liquid, distilled components, etc. blocking the apertureor hole.

As shown in FIG. 25C, a portion of the gutter 233 that is in proximitywith the drain 234 may comprise a relatively wide channel region that isconfigured to direct liquid collected in the gutter 233 to the liquiddrain 234, e.g. due to a sloping floor. According to variousembodiments, the channel region may be provided with a fin, bump, ridgeor other protrusion 235.

As illustrated by FIGS. 26A and 26B, the fin, bump, ridge or otherprotrusion 235 is arranged so as to reduce the possibility of thechannel region and/or drain 234 becoming blocked, e.g. by a foreignobject 400 being placed in the channel region and/or drain 234 region.In particular, the fin, bump, ridge or other protrusion 235 may bearranged such that a flat surface seal cannot or is less likely to formbetween a foreign object 400 and the channel region and/or drain 234region. In particular, the fin or other protrusion 235 may be arrangedsuch that the channel region and/or drain 234 cannot be blocked by theinlet end 112 of the probe assembly 110, a cap or other fitting.

According to various embodiments, the adaptor main body 230 is alsoprovided with a device 236 for holding the inlet end 112 of the probeassembly 110, i.e. when not in use, e.g. a “parking space” for the inletend 112 of the probe assembly 110. This beneficially encourages the userto avoid using the gutter 233 to hold the inlet end 112 of the probeassembly, which may cause blockages.

According to various embodiments, the cap may be attached to the mainbody 230, e.g. by a cord, hinge, or other means. For example, as shownin FIGS. 27A and 27B, the cap 240 may be attached to the adaptor mainbody 230 by a cord or lanyard 248. This beneficially prevents the capfrom being lost. This also simplifies the process of removing/installinga probe assembly in the adaptor 200 since, for example, it is notnecessary for a user to keep hold of the cap 240.

According to an embodiment, the cap 240 and/or main adaptor body 230comprises one or more asymmetric mating portions, e.g. such that the cap240 can be secured to the main adaptor body 230 (i.e. can be closed)only in one (correct) orientation and/or position.

According to an embodiment, the cap 240 and/or main adaptor body 230 isconfigured so as to produce one or more audible clicks when the cap 240is fitted securely to the main adaptor body 230.

According to an embodiment, the cap 240 is configured such that toolsare not required in order to open the cap 240 (to remove the cap 240from the main adaptor body 230). The cap 240 may comprise one or morebuttons, configured such that when the button(s) are pushed, the cap 240is opened.

In particular, the cap 240 may comprise two buttons or flippers,configured such that when the buttons are pushed together, the cap 240is opened. The two buttons or flippers may be arranged such that a usermust deliberately intend to open the cap 240 in order for the cap to beopened. For example, the two buttons may be configured such that apinching action is required in order to open the cap 240. It would alsobe possible to provide more buttons or flippers, e.g. three or more,that must simultaneously be operated or otherwise to open the cap 240.

The one or more buttons may be configured such that the cap can beopened and removed in one motion. The cap may be configured such thatthe cap may be opened whether a probe assembly is installed or not.

The cap 240 may be provided with one or more springs or other elasticdevices configured such that when the cap 240 is opened, the cap 240 isejected from the main adaptor body 230.

Although various embodiments have been described for use in anelectrospray ion source, it may be used in other types of ion sourcesuch as an atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation source (APCI) or animpactor spray ion source.

Although the above embodiments have been described primarily in terms ofa probe adaptor assembly, it would also or instead be possible for oneor more of all of the components of the adaptor to be integrated withthe ion source and/or the spectrometer.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes in form and detail may be made without departingfrom the scope of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for connecting an ionisationprobe assembly to a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer, the apparatuscomprising: an attachment member for releasably attaching a probeassembly to the apparatus; a cap for enclosing the attachment member;wherein the apparatus is operable to deliver a voltage to a probeassembly only when the cap is arranged to enclose the attachment member;and wherein the cap is configurable to enclose the attachment memberwhen a probe assembly is attached to the apparatus.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the cap is configurable to enclose the attachmentmember when no probe assembly is attached to the apparatus so as toprevent a probe assembly being brought into contact with the attachmentmember.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the apparatus comprises anorifice; the apparatus is configured such that the probe assembly isinsertable into the orifice; and the attachment member is configurableto releasably secure the probe assembly within the orifice.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment member comprises or is inelectrical connection with an electrical contact for delivering thevoltage from the apparatus to the probe assembly when the probe assemblyis releasably attached to the apparatus.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,where the cap comprises an aperture through which at least a portion ofthe probe assembly can pass.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein theapparatus comprises a device configured to close the aperture when thecap is arranged to enclose the attachment member and when no probeassembly is attached to the apparatus.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6,wherein the device is configured such that the aperture is openable, inuse, only when the attachment member is not enclosed by the cap.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the device comprises one or more balls orother objects and one or more pockets for receiving the one or moreballs or other objects.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:a probe tip configured to receive a capillary of the probe assembly; anda device for controlling the position of the capillary relative to theprobe tip.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the device isconfigured such that the position remains substantially unaltered when aprobe assembly is detached from and/or attached to the apparatus. 11.The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein: the probe tip comprises acapillary configured to receive the capillary of the probe assembly; andthe control device is configured to control the position of thecapillary relative to the probe tip capillary.
 12. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 9, further comprising a guiding member configured toguide the capillary into the probe tip capillary when the probe assemblyis releasably attached to the apparatus.
 13. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 9, wherein: the apparatus comprises a cap for enclosing theattachment member; the attachment member is provided in a main body ofthe apparatus; and the cap is releasably securable to the main body soas to enclose the attachment member.
 14. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 13, wherein the control device is operable from an externalsurface of the cap.
 15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein:the control device comprises a first mechanism in the cap that isengagable with a second mechanism in the main body; wherein operation ofthe control device causes the position of the capillary relative to theprobe tip to be altered via the first and second mechanisms.
 16. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first and/or secondmechanisms are configured such that the position of the capillaryrelative to the probe tip remains substantially unaltered when the capis secured to and/or released from the main body.
 17. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising: a liquid drain; and a device forcollecting liquid incident upon at least a portion of the apparatus andfor directing the liquid to the drain.
 18. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 17, wherein the drain comprises one or more open-ended slots orindentations.
 19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18, further comprisingone or more fins, ridges, bumps or other protrusions configured toprevent blockage of the drain.
 20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18,wherein the position and/or orientation of the drain can be fixed. 21.An adaptor for connecting an ionisation probe assembly to a mass and/orion mobility spectrometer, the adaptor comprising apparatus as claimedin claim
 1. 22. A mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer comprisingapparatus as claimed in claim
 1. 23. An apparatus for connecting anionisation probe assembly to a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometer,the apparatus comprising: an attachment member for releasably attachinga probe assembly to the apparatus; a probe tip configured to receive acapillary of the probe assembly; and a control device for controllingthe position of the capillary relative to the probe tip.
 24. Theapparatus for connecting an ionisation probe assembly to a mass and/orion mobility spectrometer, the apparatus comprising: an attachmentmember for releasably attaching a probe assembly to the apparatus; aliquid drain; and a device for collecting liquid incident upon theapparatus and for directing the liquid to the liquid drain; wherein thedrain comprises one or more open-ended slots or indentations.
 25. Amethod of delivering eluent to a mass and/or ion mobility spectrometercomprising: providing a probe assembly; providing an apparatus forconnecting an ionisation probe assembly to a mass and/or ion mobilityspectrometer, the apparatus including an attachment member forreleasably attaching a probe assembly to the apparatus, a cap forenclosing the attachment member, wherein the apparatus is operable todeliver a voltage to a probe assembly only when the cap is arranged toenclose the attachment member, and wherein the cap is configurable toenclose the attachment member when a probe assembly is attached to theapparatus; releasably attaching the probe assembly to the apparatususing the attachment member; and supplying eluent to the probe assemblysuch that eluent is transmitted through the probe assembly into thespectrometer.